Prague

Practical Info about Prague

Getting around the city

Prague has a cheap and efficient public transport system consisting of an integrated network of buses, trams, metro and a funicular on Petrin Hill. The historic centre is compact and pedestrian-only, but trams offer an inexpensive way of seeing the rest of the city, and there are plenty of metro stations in the centre. Tram lines criss-cross the centre and are the best way to get around, after the metro. Buses need rarely be used, as they tend to operate outside the centre and are more irregular. After midnight trams and buses offer a limited service, usually every hour. Tickets are valid on all modes of public transport, but must be bought in advance and validated before each journey. It's best to book taxis over the phone and demand a receipt for the fare before setting out. A car is expensive and unnecessary since much of the city is pedestrianised, parking is a major problem and vehicle crime is rife.

Time

GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs with a hole for a male grounding pin are standard. Most sockets also take the standard European two-pin plugs.

Currency

The official currency is the Czech Crown, locally known as the Koruna (CZK), which is divided into 100 haler. Most credit cards, including American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard are accepted, but it is best to have cash handy when travelling outside of Prague and the main tourist centres. Travellers cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some hotels; commission is highest in hotels. Banks are closed on weekends. ATMs (known as 'bankomats') are now common in Prague and are probably the best way to obtain local currency at a good rate. The Czech Republic is still cheap compared to the rest of Europe, though the gap is closing.

Communication

The international access code for the Czech Republic is +420. There are high surcharges on international calls from hotels; it is cheaper to use the public telephone boxes - phone cards can be bought from newsagents. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with all major international operators, except those in the USA. Internet cafes are available in the main towns.

Climate

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Prague has a typically European continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm (sometimes wet) summers. Winters (November to February) can get very chilly; January is the coldest month, with daytime temperatures far below zero and strong, cold winds. Snowfall can be heavy. Prague experiences average temperatures ranging from 25°F (-4°C) during winter, to 73°F (23°C) during summer. The best time to visit is from May to September when days are warm and nights cool. The European summer (June to September) is the tourist high season, but spring and autumn can also be rewarding times to visit, particularly if you prefer to avoid the tourist crowds. Although the winters are cold, the landscape does look strikingly beautiful when it is snowy.

Prague Václav Havel Airport

Getting to the city

Cedaz minibus shuttles leave regularly for the city centre; they can drop passengers off at hotels throughout the city. The Airport Express provides the quickest transport to Prague Main Train Station. Public buses have regular services to all areas of Prague departing from the front of the arrivals hall. Public transportation fares are based on time of travel.

Car rental

All the major car rental companies are represented at the airport, including Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt.

Airport taxi's

Taxis are also available outside the Arrivals hall. A taxi to the city centre should take around 30 minutes. Agree on a price with the driver before the journey begins as many licensed taxis are unmetered. Shared minibus taxis are also a cost effective option.

Transfer between terminals

The terminals are connected.

Facilities

There are a number of shops, bars, cafeterias and restaurants in the main terminal. Bureaux de change, ATMs and a bank are also available; the Travelex in the transit section is open 24 hours. Conference and meeting rooms can also be hired, and wifi access is available in both terminals

Parking

The first 15 minutes of parking at Prague Ruzynì International Airport is free. Thereafter parking charges range from CZK 100 for 30 minutes, and CZK 200 for an hour for parking directly in front of the terminal. Short-term parking costs CZK 50 for one hour, CZK 100 for two hours, CZK 140 for three hours, and CZK 40 per hour after that or CZK 60 for one hour and CZK 50 per hour after. Weekly rates start from CZK 900 per week.